Goma: The M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken control of Minova, a crucial town that serves as a main supply route for the provincial capital, Goma. The capture, confirmed by both local authorities and rebel leaders, marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Tutsi-led insurgents and government forces.
Jean-Jacques Purusi, governor of South Kivu province, verified the rebels’ capture of Minova to Reuters on Tuesday. The attack on the town represents another strategic victory for the M23, who have been waging a renewed insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022. Despite accusations from both the Congolese government and the United Nations that Rwanda is supporting the rebels with troops and arms, Rwanda has consistently denied any involvement in the conflict.
After M23 rebels seized the Congolese town of Minova, hundreds of people fled to Goma in overcrowded boats. The Tutsi-led M23 group has been waging a renewed insurgency in the Central African country's east since 2022 https://t.co/CHpxGOIWs2 pic.twitter.com/MymMOUCzH7
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 23, 2025
In a statement, Sylvain Ekenge, a spokesperson for the Congolese army, confirmed that M23 rebels had made advances into both North and South Kivu provinces, including Minova. While Ekenge did not confirm the rebels’ control of the town, he stated that “the enemy has broken through to Bweremana in North Kivu and Minova in South Kivu.”
Rebels Set Sights on Goma
With the fall of Minova, the rebels now pose a significant threat to Goma, the region’s key city located approximately 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) away. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the anti-government Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23 forces, declared, “Minova is in our hands.”
A local civilian in Minova, who asked to remain anonymous, reported that the rebels entered the town early on Tuesday, and fighting quickly intensified. The sound of heavy weapons was later heard in Goma, causing some schools to close due to the noise disrupting classes.
Despite efforts from the Congolese military to regain control of Minova, government forces were ultimately pushed out. Civil society leader James Musanganya explained that the rebels then tried to convince local residents to remain in the town after many began fleeing to safer areas.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described the situation in Minova as highly tense. The town, already home to many displaced people, saw a mass exodus as fighting intensified, with over 178,000 people displaced between January 4-20, according to OCHA estimates.
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Many of Minova’s international and national NGOs have paused operations due to the escalating violence, putting a critical strain on the aid reaching displaced populations. “If the aid workers leave, all these displaced people will be left without assistance,” a coordinator from an international NGO warned.
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Congo’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya told Reuters that the government is closely monitoring the situation as it continues to unfold.
